Good Deal on Ink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and other *ahem* items

If you are in the market for a new printer, you may want to check the prices of the ink cartridges and find out how often they need replacing before making a decision on what brand of printer to buy. Our printer is a bit frustrating at times. It uses 4 individual cartridges, and when one color runs out the printer stops working. Unfortunately it uses up color ink even when we print black and white. So, we often replace blue, magenta or yellow ink even though we primarily print b/w. That is the case right now ~ magenta and black cartridges are running very low, so I was happy to find that Office Depot has a $10 off $25 purchase coupon for this week.
Here's what I purchased:

ink ~ $13.99
*Purell ~ $4.99
**Expo markers ~ $5.29
***Post-It's ~ $0.99

Subtotal ~ $25.26
Coupon ~ less $10.00

Total out-of-pocket with tax ~ $16.48

*Purell Mail-in-Rebate ~ $4.99
**Expo Mail-in-Rebate ~ $5.29

Total with tax after Rebates ~ $6.20

A 55% savings - not too bad for ink, considering the other "freebies."

*The Purell mir is a limit of 5, but all must be purchased in the same transaction.
**The Expo rebate will print out with your receipt when you purchase it. Limit 1.
***The regular price for these Post-It's was $5.99, with an instant $5.00 rebate. I printed out a $1.00 coupon from moneysavingmom.com, but Office Depot says they do not accept any manufacturer's coupons.

You might note that the $10 off $25 cannot be used for HP ink and some other items listed on the coupon.

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Now for a very interesting transaction at Rite Aid. Before you ask any questions, I'd like to say that I'll make at least $15.00 on this deal after receiving my mail-in-rebates, and I also have a $7.00 Up Reward to use towards my next purchase!

I hope you get a good laugh out of the photograph ~ one of my lovely daugh . . . someone with a very good sense of humor snapped it for me and even loaded it onto the computer so as to save me time, and I very much appreciate it! Btw, laughter has wonderful benefits, some of which are listed below.

The following is quoted from about.com.

• Hormones: Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.

• Physical Release: Laughter provides a physical and emotional release.

• Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.

• Distraction: Laughter brings the focus away from anger, guilt, stress, and negative emotions in a more beneficial way than other mere distractions.

• Social Benefits of Laughter: Laughter connects us with others. Also, laughter is contagious, so if you bring more laughter into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, and realize these benefits as well. By elevating the mood of those around you, you can reduce their stress levels, and perhaps improve the quality of social interaction you experience with them, reducing your stress level even more! : )

Now, after all that, I would be very embarrassed if you didn't have a good laugh.

Total before coupons ~ $32.36
Dollar amount of coupons used ~ $23.50

All of the items were on sale. After coupons it was ~ $10.65
Mail in rebates total ~ $25.98
Up Reward for next time ~ $7.00
So actually, a $22.33 money-maker!

These two boxes of Kleenex will come in very handy until a great toilet paper deal comes along (I just can't make myself pay full price!) A trial size bag of Tug-a-Boo diapers didn't make it into the picture, although it would have been very appropriate, considering. And, I won't give any hints, but I'm pretty sure I know someone who could use this Cryostat. Is there anyone out there who is interested in the Zegerid or Dulcolax?